issue 02
January 2017
maqic living qigong:become what you practice
inside: new classes and timetable / new subscriptions / how to use the energy of the Rooster / Now taking bookings for our Spring Retreat in Scotland
issue 02
contents January 2017
03 YEAR OF THE YIN FIRE ROOSTER
05 A QUICK & FUN GUIDE ON HOW TO USE THE ENERGY OF THE YEAR
09 WISHING TREE
10 SAMYE LING MONASTERY RETREAT IN MAY
11 LEARN THE BASICS COURSE IN FEBRUARY
13/14/15/16 NEW CLASSES
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2017 Year of the Yin Fire Rooster Did you benefit from the high-
instructing him to leave (that Monkey
What does a 100% metal animal
energy of the Yang Fire Monkey in
has done enough mischief for one
mean? It means that Roosters
2016? Or was the Monkey’s
year). The energy will shift from
embody a lot of metal
unpredictable and mischievous
unpredictable and impulsive to more
characteristics: talkative, good
energy too much for you? Are you
orderly and controlled. The five
communicators, loyal and hard-
ready to see the back of that crazy
element energy of the year gears
working. Metal energy is also about
Monkey and say hello to the hard-
down as well, moving from yang (big)
having a sense of control, planning
working and loyal Rooster?
fire to yin (little) fire. Yin fire energy is
and getting organised.
about warmth and generosity, rather You may already be feeling the
than the big visibility and successes
The heavenly stem of 2017 is yin fire
energy slowly shifting in a new
of yang fire.
(Ding) and the earthly branch is
direction. This time of year, I begin
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Rooster (You) according to the
to anticipate and open myself up to
The Rooster is a metal animal. It is
interactions of the Wu Xing, or the
the energy of the new year. At the
one of the four zodiacal animals that
Five Elements, fire controls metal.
end of January (January 28th) the
are pure elements, which means that
Energetically fire melts metal.
Rooster will strut in confidently,
the Rooster is the most metal of all
Remember that the stem of 2017 is
squawking at the Monkey,
the animals. The other animals that
yin fire, and the Rooster is all metal,
are pure elements are Rat: water,
so the Rooster will feel a little heat
Rabbit: wood, and Horse: fire.
and warmth, becoming more
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malleable.
cont'd The yin fire will soften the
2.
Rooster’s normally verbose and
Increase the earth element. The
cocky nature. Hopefully this mix
earth element is all about
of elements will mean a more
nurturing, grounding and stability.
controlled and even-tempered
We all need more of this in our
year.
life. Embrace the yin fire of 2017; sharing warmth and generosity
Get organized, have a plan
with others. After a year of yang
and spread the love.
fire, we don’t feel the need to add more fire, instead we want
The theme for 2017 is to embrace
to find balance and harmony.
the warmth of yin fire and work
Following the nature of the five
with the metal energy of the
elements: fire creates earth, and
rooster. Here are two things you
earth in turn, creates metal. By
can do to align yourself with this
adding more earth into our lives
year’s energy:
we are completing the elemental cycle of 2017 and supporting the
1.
metal energy that we are
Getting organised and having a
craving.
clear vision of what you want to do this year. The Monkey was a
How to add more earth: You can
trying year for many with lots of
add earth on an intentional and
changes especially in work, and
energetic level, for example,
for some maybe that was well
spend more time with family,
received for others it
connect with the earth by
may have felt like your head was
walking and practicing Qigong
spinning. For those of you who
and support, nurture and guide
are artistic, and left-brained
others when they feel
people, with all that productive
disconnected. You can also bring
energy it was doubly challenging
the earth element in your home
to stay focused. The Monkey
by introducing plants with soil
energy kept throwing great ideas
and the colour yellow or brown.
and successes, but it caused us to grasp at things that were not necessarily in-line with our vision. Metal energy will be good for us and this will mean that we definitely need to stick with our vision and stay focused.
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A quick and fun guide on how to use the energy of the new year Fire rooster energy and the 12 animals
Are you in the flow, moving in tune with the energy of
Please remember that this is a fun guide and it is with your
2017, or does it already feel like you are swimming against
intention, self-care practice, good deeds, and hard-work that
the current? Taking a broader view, and looking at the
you can shift the balance. You can take control of your life
overall elemental energy of the new year, we can see how
through action, self-nurturing and compassion.
our own energy may be impacted. The twelve zodiacal animals are a fun, and often illuminating way to gain
The animal and the elements have specific attributes and
awareness around the type of energy coming your way.
qualities that affects the energy of the year. The official
These predictions are a way to shine a light on a blind
astrological year of the Ding You or Fire Rooster begins on
spot, reveal an issue that may need attending; never a
February 3rd and the Lunar New Year celebrations take place
cause for fear or worry. The energy of the year may be like
on January 28th.
the wind at your back, giving you a gentle push in the right direction. Or it may reveal a shadow or vulnerability that
Rooster year qualities and energy:
needs to be addressed. Rather than using a good/bad scale to review the year, let’s look at how each animal is
Demanding
flowing in this year’s elemental energy. Are you in sync
Focused and decisive
with this year’s energy or will you need to do a little extra
Vigilant
work to get in the flow?
Alert Orderly
The basics: There is an energetic interaction between
your birth year and the current year. To quote the Chinese
Yin Fire year qualities and energy:
saying the animal assigned to your birth year “is the
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animal that hides in your heart.” Your birth year has a
Warm
branch (animal) and stem (element), and so does the
Caring
current year. This year it is the Year of the Fire Rooster, yin
Instability (think of a candle flickering)
fire is the element/stem for 2017.
Impulsive
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Inspiring
cont'd The Rooster is a bit of a task-master, a much different energy than the mischievous Monkey. The yin fire’s warmth will hopefully be enough to soften the Rooster’s verbose and cocky nature.
Find out if you are in sync with this year’s energy or will you
RABBIT:
need to do a little extra work to get in the flow? 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 RAT The energy: Too fast
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 What you need to know: The pace feels a little quick for the The energy: Beneficial
Rabbit which means more opportunity but vigilance and caution are needed. The peaceful Rabbit will need to use his
What you need to know: Use your keen rat intelligence this
keen eyes and ears to stay alert.
year to make the most of the structured and organized energy of the Rooster. This is a great year for love for the single Rat.
What to do: Don’t feel pushed into anything (opportunities
will come). Be mindful and take rest when needed. What you can do: Make and execute concise plans. Use your
resourceful Rat nature to leverage the metal energy of the
You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog
Rooster. You clash with: Rooster You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox DRAGON: You clash with: Horse
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 OX The energy: Bask in the glow of the flow
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 What you need to know: Your best friend the Rooster is The energy: In the flow
shining on you bringing good luck, but don’t get too cocky or complacent. The Rooster is wants you to have a plan and you
What you need to know: The ox is no stranger to hard work so
will need to stay focused.
he/she will fare well. The Ox is in harmony with the Rooster. What to do: Do your best to avoid arguments and take the
What to do: Remain professional and take the high road. You
high road. Spread your wings and the love. You have many
will have new social opportunities, so make the most of it.
blessings so sprinkle loving kindness wherever you go.
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat
You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey and Rooster
You clash with: Ram/Sheep
You clash with: Dog
TIGER
SNAKE
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The energy: A good place, enjoy the boost.
The energy: In harmony
What you need to know: After last year, you can relax (lick
What you need to know: The Snake’s energy of is in line with
your wounds) and enjoy.
that of the Rooster. You both like order and structure. This is a good time to focus on your career.
What to do: Stay focused on your own business, try not to get
sucked in to others peoples’ drama. Do not try to do everything
What to do: Keep your eyes on your own work and stick to
on your own, you will succeed through collaboration.
your plan. Use the support of loved ones.
You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey
You clash with: Monkey
You clash with: Pig
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HORSE
ROOSTER
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
The energy: Feeling the pressure to conform
The energy: Happy place
What you need to know: Horses are free spirits. They like to
What you need to know: You will have many blessings. This is
gallop along, travelling and moving where they please. They
a great year to hone your plan and set it in motion. Watch your
may buck up against the controlled energy of the Rooster.
work load, and don’t try to do everything (just because you can
But the good news is that horses are tough, they often carry a
plan and execute it doesn’t mean you should do it).
burden and don’t complain. What to do: Seek out helpful people and guides. What to do: See the positives in being tethered this year.
Spend time at home, and reign in your spending.
You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake and Dragon
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram
You clash with: Rabbit
You clash with: Rat
DOG
MONKEY
DOG 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The energy: Swimming upstream
The energy: Tempering and controlled
What you need to know: The Dog has never liked the
squawking Rooster. Too much arguing for the sensible dog. What you need to know: On occasion, the Monkey needs
There will be opportunities but they may not always go your
this kind of energy. It is good to keep him/her from swinging
way.
too far off course. What to do: Meditate and find wise guides to help you What to do: Less gut decisions and more based on fact and
overcome obstacles. Stay grounded and wait it out – next year
resources. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you
is your year.
stay focused and have a plan this is a good time to start a new business.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit
You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake
You clash with: Dragon
You clash with: Tiger
PIG
RAM/SHEEP
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015
The energy: Disciplined
The energy: Asks a lot of you, but can be enlightening
What you need to know: This year is about self-improvement
for the Pig. Focus on your health and well-being. Try to take What you need to know: Learn to love the pace and order
the high road in conflicts.
of the Rooster. Be resolute and focus on the positive. Your peaceful nature will find the Rooster’s orderly and demanding
What to do: Stay conservative in money matters.
energy challenging at times. You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger What to do: Build on what is working and find wise counsel
to support you along the way.
You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse
You clash with: Ox
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You clash with: Snake
wishing tree Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Celebrations
During Chinese New Year, villagers would
Although people are now discouraged
travel for miles to visit the sacred Lam
from throwing their wishes up into the
Tsuen Wishing Trees, two ancient banyan
trees, tourists and locals still make the
trees situated near the Tin Hau Temple in
journey to the small village every year to
Fong Ma Po village, one of the 23
tie their wishes onto wooden support
traditional Chinese villages that make up
beams, imitation trees or racks that
Lam Tsuen.
surround the original wishing trees.
It is believed that the wishing custom
A Place To Be will be honouring the
originated from fishermen who would
wishing tree tradition by offering all
throw paper josses made from bamboo
students during this festive time the
into every Tai Pak Kung (earth god) tree on
opportunity to write their wishes and hang
their way into the New Territories of Hong
them on our 'communitree'. These wishes
Kong to bring them good luck and
will be kept on the tree for the entire year.
traditionally run from the last day of the last month (known as Chinese New Year’s Eve) to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month.
Within China, traditions and customs vary widely depending on region. Typically, most people begin festivities on the Chinese New
protection.
Year’s Eve with a family-oriented dinner, often bringing together family members who work away from home for a reunion. It is also customary for families to thoroughly clean the house, sweeping away ill-fortune and bad luck to make way for incoming good luck.
Historically, people would burn joss sticks before writing their wishes down, tying it to a small orange or kumquat, and then throwing the wish up to hang in the branches of the trees. It was believed that if the wish successfully hung onto one of the branches, the person’s wish would
The Chinese New Year tradition of the wishing tree arguably began hundreds of years ago in Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong.
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come true. The higher the branch the wish landed on, the more likely it would be for the person’s hopes to be fulfilled.
samye ling retreat may 2017 This retreat gives you a chance to put aside the concerns and demands of your everyday routine. By getting away from the noise and clutter of the city or where ever you come from, you can begin to relax and open up.
Many people come on retreat to feel more grounded, calmer and in touch with themselves and take in the enchanting Samye Ling Monastery and to explore the early summer countryside of Eskdalemuir, Scotland. Those who go on retreat regularly find these qualities pervading the rest of their lives, and can live more and more from their human potential.
Going on retreat gives you the opportunity to share time, and inspiration with like-minded people from all walks of life. Many people find that a sense of community develops as a retreat progresses, and lasting friendships are born from their experience.
Retreats are an opportunity to deepen your awareness of yourself, other people, and the world around you. They give you space to clarify what is essential in your life. And as such, a retreat can be a challenging, life changing experience.
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maqic Visit www.aplacetobe.me for more information
learn the basics of qigong 4 week course Starting Tuesday 7th February (14th, 21st, 28th) 6-7pm
Learn the key principles of Qigong at A Place To Be with Deniz or Laurie Paradot. Develop your personal practice, participate in class with confidence and cultivate your ability to manage daily stresses and strains naturally.
Due to the growing popularity of our classes, we are offering four 'Learn the Basics' sessions each month. Suitable for new students and existing students who are interested in finding out how to get the most out of their practice. The sessions will run every month, so if you can't make one or two, you can catch up the following month..
This course is not a prerequisite to starting class, but it will provide a real hands on experience of this beautiful life art.
The Learn the Basics sessions will cover:
MERIDIANS AND QI - basic understanding of TCM WUJI - the underlying standing posture BELLY BREATHING - the core breathing technique used throughout our practice SUNG - how to release tension and let go SHAKING - waking up the mind, body and spirit SWAI SHOU - the three swings to open the energy gates TAPPING - learning how to tap (massage) and open the spine NECK AND SPINAL CURLING - how to use the power of your breath to create space in the neck and spine TING - how to listen and observe your body CLOUD HANDS - This simple yet beautiful form allows you to work on lots of different qigong principles in an integrated way. It will loosen up the body, smooth out your nervous system, and allow you to enter the Qi state.
ÂŁ24 per person. Click here to book (please drop us an email when you do) or go to our website www.aplacetobe.me
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new year new qigong new classes new you
After practicing various Qigong styles for more than 20 years, I consider Hunyuan Qigong to be one of the most powerful and comprehensive methods I have ever studied. Like other Qigong systems, it focuses on wellbeing and longevity, correcting all sorts of imbalance, whether the body is too yang (as in autoimmune disease or inflammatory conditions) or too yin (as in immune deficiency conditions or depletion). The twelve meditative movements of Hunyuan Qigong trains one’s intention to direct the qi. It increases the sensation of qi and helps to train the mind to lead the qi. It specifically focuses on fostering a deep level of relaxation and cultivating energy in the Dantian (the body centre) to nurture oneself. This practice produces a strong sensation of qi through the meridians and at different acupuncture points. It is easy to do and very enjoyable. Every time one practices this Qigong, one can expect mental clarity and abundance of energy.
Hunyuan Qigong is a delight to experience and rewards its practitioners with noticeable results. The tools to enjoy relaxation, calmness of mind, freedom of movement and good health are at your disposal. The more regular your practice, the more your mind and body will benefit, the more joy you will feel!
We will be starting Hunyuan Qigong from Monday 27th February 2017 and we are excited to offer you a new class timetable, with Open Practice Sessions and three levels of commitment (from 1st March).
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Our Promise Affordability, Flexibility and Opportunity We believe the best way to benefit from Qigong is to Live Qigong. Living Qigong means to practice as often as you can in your everyday life. But .... we get it - life happens: work, children, sickness, holidays. Before you know it you can't get to class. With all the disruptions of home, creating a personal practice can seem very difficult.
We want to help by offering you more classes to choose from, complete flexibility and by making our classes affordable, especially when you choose our new Jing option. As a Jing student, you'll come to class as often as you like, and with 8 Classes and 7 Open Practice Sessions to choose from every week, you'll have plenty of opportunity to make your practice part of your life. Become what you practice.
Our new Open Practice Sessions are an ideal opportunity to Live Qigong and establish your personal practice, whether it is our current form or an old favourite, or you may want to just sit and meditate, and absorb the lovely energy of the space.
We can only keep our prices affordable when you also show commitment to us. We never ask you to sign a contract, however we do ask that Jing and Shen students commit to a 12 month subscription, which can be
Living Qigong. It's a whole lot more than a membership, it's a lifestyle.
cancelled at any time.
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Living Qigong
Jing lifest
y
-
le commitment fee
YOUR OPTIONS
£37.50/
m
Unlimited Classes Unlimited Open Practice Sessions Choice of 8 x classes and 7 x practice sessions per week 15 minute Individual Postural Control Assessment and introduction to Qigong 7 Days advanced booking for workshops, courses and retreats 10% OFF workshops, courses and retreats Free Annual Events Free eVideo of current Qigong form to aid home practice Downloadable teaching notes £5 OFF joint membership (and 2 family members) No contract SHEN lifest
y
le commitment fee
£32.50/
m
1 x class, any class of your choice per week 1 x open practice session, any of your choice per week Turn up when it suits you Introduction to Qigong 5% OFF workshops, courses and retreats Free Annual Events Downloadable teaching notes No contract Qi lifest
y
le commitment fee
£48.00
Dropin 6 x classes pre bought at a discounted rate 6 x Open Practice Sessions (to be attended after your chosen class) Valid for 8 weeks Turn up when it suits you Downloadable teaching notes No contract All commitment fees can be signed up for on our website (you will be charged a small transaction fee). Alternatively you can get in touch with us directly and set up a standing order with your bank, no fee incurred. Single dropin classes are now charged at £9 which includes the subsequent Open Practice Session. 16
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"Still, I am learning." Michelangelo, on his 87th Birthday I am very pleased to share with you my good news. Recently, in fact on my birthday, I was accepted as a Lifelong student to one of the World's most renowned Daoist Teachers and Masters of Qigong, Master Zhongxian Wu. After twenty years of personal studying, practice, and training with other leading teachers in this field I am now at the next path of my journey.
What is it to be accepted as a Lifelong Student?
Firstly, a student genuinely aspires towards a dedicated lifelong practice of internal cultivation. Second, a dedicated master guides, mentors and passes on to the student authentic techniques from the traditional lineage(s) of ancient Chinese wisdom traditions.
What does this mean?
I will not only continue my daily practice, I will go abroad and study directly with Master Wu one/twice a year. I will be learning Qigong/Neigong and other internal arts, Chinese astrology, calligraphy, the Dao of tea, GuQin, Taiji, XinYi internal martial arts, traditional Qi Healing (aka Medical Qigong), Fengshui and Yijing science. All of which, over time, I will gratefully pass on to you.
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breathe If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.
If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.
If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.
Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.
Deniz Paradot Lifelong student and teaching practitioner of the Life Arts - Qigong, Nei Gong and Taoism. maqic is written with the intention to find the most important practitioner in your life:you. Follow me on Facebook @placetobeme Visit www.aplacetobe.me Deniz and Laurie Paradot